Winding my way down the Northern coast of France I can play some beautiful golf courses as I go.
A favourite trip would be to travel over on the Eurotunnel in the morning before a round at the wild and wonderful course of Belle Dune. There’s time for a quick croque monsieur – Welsh Rarebit – in the clubhouse before heading to the first tee.
Jumping back in the car after my round, I’ll motor down to The Dormy House in Etretat, just over a couple of hours away. Time to reflect on my round, hopefully with a smile on my face.
The hotel is perched above the coastal town of Etretat and, as well as comfortable bedrooms, has an excellent restaurant, where the outstanding food is matched by the panoramic views over the English Channel.
A chilled bottle of a crisp Sauvignon with some fresh seafood brought up from the quayside for dinner will complete the perfect day, particularly if I got a good score at Belle Dune!
The sea air will mean a good night’s sleep so I’m ready the next morning to take on the links at Etretat, just a short walk away up the hill.
This is a real links test, stretching straight out on a clifftop over the sea. However I play, I love it. I can refocus by looking out onto the water, where the yachts are racing. The course is challenging so I’ll be very happy to score on every hole, before celebrating with a lovely lunch on the club’s patio.
In the evening I’ll wander into the village for dinner at one of the casual restaurants near the harbour. If I’ve played early I may spend the afternoon at the mystical Jardins D’Etretat, inspired by Claude Monet.
Heading home the next day, I might stop off for a cheeky round at Wimereux, just 30 minutes from the Eurotunnel and inches from the coastline. So close to the UK but a typical French members’ club where the emphasis is on the quality of the golf course rather than a stunning clubhouse.
That’s my seaside passion fixed for a while. Where next?
Nigel Burch, PGA Golf Professional
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